Signed by President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June, this treaty marks the strongest ties between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Cold War.
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Russia’s Federation Council ratified a new defence pact with North Korea on Wednesday, solidifying a “comprehensive strategic partnership” that mandates mutual military assistance if either country is attacked.
The treaty, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June, represents the closest alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Cold War.
The pact’s approval follows its earlier endorsement by the State Duma on 24 October and coincides with Washington's confirmation of 10,000 North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s Kursk region, reportedly preparing to join Russia’s war against Ukraine.
This would mark North Korea’s first major combat involvement since the Korean War. Both the Kremlin and Pyongyang have broadly dismissed Western claims of troop deployment, asserting their military cooperation adheres to international law.
This week, Putin met North Korean Foreign Minister Chloe Son Hui, who affirmed Pyongyang’s support for Russia’s campaign in Ukraine: “for the just fight of Russia’s military and people to defend their country’s sovereign rights and security interests.”
Meanwhile, Western officials and South Korean officials have voiced concerns over possible Russian technology transfers to advance North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
On Tuesday, Pyongyang fired short-range ballistic missiles, signalling its military strength amidst the US elections.